A New Era in the Uzbek-Saudi Relations

On the afternoon of August 17, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev has arrived in the city of Jeddah as part of a state visit to Saudi Arabia.

At the King Abdulaziz International Airport, the President of Uzbekistan was met by the Leaders of Mecca Province, the Minister of Investments Khalid al-Falih and other officials.

A ceremony of the official welcome to the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan was held at the «Kasr al-Salam» Palace in the city of Jeddah.

The Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud met the President of Uzbekistan.

A guard of honor was lined up in honor of the Distinguished guest. The national anthems of the two countries were performed.

After, the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and the Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud held talks.

At the beginning of the talks, the President of Uzbekistan conveyed his sincere greetings and best wishes to the King of Saudi Arabia, Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

The increased contacts at different levels were noted with satisfaction. The meetings of the Intergovernmental Commission and the Business Council are being held regularly. The trade volumes are growing. The joint enterprises are being established.

Along with this, our countries have a great potential to bring up the relations to a new, notable level, particularly in the trade and economic sphere.

The President of Uzbekistan expressed his confidence that his first state visit to Saudi Arabia shall open up wide range of opportunities.

The top-level talks, clearly demonstrated the commonality of views and aspirations. The State Program «Vision 2030» successfully implemented in Saudi Arabia has been highly appreciated. Its goals and objectives are in line with the goals of the Development Strategy of New Uzbekistan aimed at transforming all spheres of society. A main attention is being paid to the implementation of the principles of the digital and green economy by our countries.

The parties considered further expansion of the mutually beneficial ties in the political, trade, economic, investment, cultural and humanitarian spheres.

The necessity to create an enabling environment for enhancing contacts between business circles, increasing volumes and diversifying the structure of mutual trade was noted. One of the important steps in this direction was the introduction of a visa-free regime for entry into Uzbekistan for citizens of Saudi Arabia.

«I am confident that today’s historic meeting shall stand as a powerful signal to enrich our cooperation and consolidate business ties. The businessmen of our countries are eagerly awaiting for the results of the talks», Shavkat Mirziyoyev has said.

The President of Uzbekistan has invited leading Saudi companies to take an active part in the privatization of commercial banks, large industrial facilities and infrastructure in Uzbekistan.

A mutual interest was expressed in enhancing partnership in the field of energy and petro-chemistry. Today, together with ACWA Power, the implementation of large energy projects for $2.6 billion was given a start.

There are promising prospects for partnership with the Sabic Company in the chemical industry.

The issues of implementation of infrastructure projects in the areas of transport, water supply, development of electricity networks and social sphere in the regions of Uzbekistan with the participation of the Saudi Development Fund were considered.

The successful holding of the Uzbek-Saudi Business Council was noted with satisfaction.

As an outcome, the agreements and contracts were signed for over $14 billion in energy, chemical, electrical engineering, infrastructure development, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, information technology and transport.

A particular attention at the meeting was paid to consolidating cultural and humanitarian ties. In particular, today about ten thousand students of Uzbekistan study Arabic, which is the official language of the United Nations.

An exchange of views on the topical issues of the international and regional agenda took place as well.

The talks showed the coincidence of common views and approaches of Uzbekistan and Saudi Arabia in a number of aspects. Our states invariably support each other in the international arena. Uzbekistan supports the candidacy of the capital city of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh to host the «World Expo 2030».

A willingness was expressed for establishing a dialogue in the field of security for consolidated assistance in strengthening peace in Afghanistan and restoring the economy of this country.

The President of Uzbekistan welcomed the receipt by Saudi Arabia of the status of a dialogue partner in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

As the outcome of the talks, the signed documents were exchanged.

A Joint Statement was adopted on the further expansion of full-scale partnership relations between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

At the level of Governments and Ministries of the two countries, 15 documents on cooperation were signed in such areas as energy, customs, civil aviation, tourism, agriculture, healthcare, labor relations and others.

In honor of the visit of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, a state reception was given on behalf of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.